Your wedding is one of the most special and memorable days of our lives, but it can also be one of the most expensive. The cost of a wedding can easily spiral out of control, leaving couples with a huge bill to pay. Fortunately, there are several simple ways to save money on your wedding without sacrificing your dream day. Here are my five tips to help you save money on your wedding:

Set a realistic budget

The first and most important step to saving money on your wedding is to set a realistic budget. Determine how much money you and your partner can comfortably afford to spend on the wedding and stick to it. Create a detailed budget plan that outlines all the costs, from the venue to the catering to the dress, and down to the cute little napkins with your pups face on them. Be sure to leave some wiggle room for unexpected expenses that may arise like wedding insurance, extra florals, etc.

Choose an Off-Peak Wedding Date

Choosing an off-peak wedding date can save you a significant amount of money. Wedding venues and vendors tend to charge more during peak wedding season, which is typically from May to October. Consider getting married during the off-season, such as in January or February, to save money on the venue and other wedding services. Additionally, choosing a weekday wedding date (Monday-Friday) can also save you a little money! This is something that I personally did for my wedding day! We got married on a Friday in January and were able to save quite a bit with a handful of vendors.

Cut back on the guest list

Arguably one of the easiest AND that hardest ways to save money on your wedding is to cut back on the guest list. Each guest adds to the cost of the wedding, from the catering to the favors - it all adds up. Contrary to what your mom says, it’s okay selective about who you invite to your big day. It’s okay to not invite your brother’s-best friend’s-sister-in-law-twice-removed or your distant Uncle Tim. People who add value and have an actual relationship with you and your partner should be at the top of your list. You could also consider having a smaller, more intimate wedding. This will not only save you money but also allow you to spend more quality time with your guests.

DIY Where You Can

Another way to save money on your wedding is to DIY where you can. I was a DIY bride through and through and it helped a TON. Of course, I spent a lot more time than I did money, but in the end it worked well for our vision. Consider making your own centerpieces or wedding favors, or recruit the help of friends and family to help with set up and tear down of your decorations. I personally designed all of our paper signage (drink menus, programs, dinner menus) for our wedding as well as our save the dates and wedding invite suite. Find the items that are a little less important to you, try your hand at a DIY project. It honestly makes it feel a little more special knowing you had a hand in your big day.

Be transparent with your vendors

Finally, it's important to keep an open and honest line of communication with your vendors! If a quote comes back higher than you anticipated or can afford, let your vendors know your budget and see how you can work something out with them so that they can still be a part of your big day. For example, I initially wanted a ton of florals and greenery on our dining tables and at our ceremony site but when I got my quote back, it was way out of budget. Rather than canceling with that vendor, we worked together to get to a number that was within budget and still provided a look that I LOVED for our big day.

In conclusion, weddings don't have to break the bank. By setting a realistic budget, choosing an off-peak wedding date, being intentional with your guest list, DIY-ing where you can, and staying transparent with your vendors, you can save money on your wedding without sacrificing any part of your dream day. Remember, the most important thing is that you're getting married to the love of your life, and that in itself is priceless.